Brushing and flossing is vital in maintaining healthy teeth, but sometimes even the most diligent brushing habits will not prevent cavities from forming. Despite your best efforts to help your child keep their teeth clean and healthy, cavities are still a common occurrence in children. Thankfully, dental fillings are an effective and easy way to treat cavities and help your child keep their teeth healthy.
Your child’s oral health is our top priority at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. We provide a wide range of dental services to promote optimal oral health and hygiene, including dental fillings. From young children to teens, we do all we can to make sure the dental filling process is comfortable and stress-free.
If your child needs a dental filling or you are searching for Phoenix pediatric dentist, pediatric dentist Tempe, or pediatric dentist Chandler, AZ, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
A filling is a dental treatment that helps repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Fillings are made from various materials such as composite resin, porcelain, and silver amalgam. If your child needs a filling, our team will discuss the different types with you and help you decide on the best option for your child.
Fillings are typically used to treat cavities but can also be used to repair chips or cracks in teeth caused by trauma. If your child’s dentist notices a cavity during an exam, they will recommend a filling. It is important to act quickly and get the necessary treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Cavities are caused by plaque buildup on a tooth. Plaque is a sticky film that covers the teeth and contains bacteria that eat away at tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain and discomfort and lead to tooth infections that may require a root canal and crown restoration.
Symptoms of a cavity include:
🍎 Pain or sensitivity when eating or drinking
🍎 Visible holes in the teeth
🍎 Dark spots on the surface of the tooth
🍎 Bad breath
There are various types of fillings to choose from, and the type used will depend on your child’s needs. The most common fillings are composite resin, porcelain, and silver amalgam, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
These are tooth-colored fillings made from a combination of resin and glass. They are very durable and can be matched to the exact shade of your child’s teeth, making them nearly invisible in the mouth. Composite resin fillings can be used on both front and back teeth. The material is applied directly to the affected area and hardened using a light.
Porcelain fillings are a great option for cavities on the front teeth as they match the natural color of your teeth. Porcelain fillings are often used to replace old, worn-out amalgam and silver fillings.
When your child comes in for a dental filling, we take great care to ensure they are comfortable throughout the entire process. We will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic so your child won’t feel any discomfort during treatment. If additional sedation is required, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation, Dr. Martinez will discuss options that best suit your child’s specific needs.
Once the area has been numbed and your child is relaxed, we will begin cleaning the affected area. We will then fill the cavity with composite resin. The filling is shaped and polished to match your child’s natural teeth.
It is important to note that even after a dental filling, your child should still practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and getting regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining the health of their teeth and gums.
Yes! Fillings are a safe and effective treatment option for children. Fillings help protect the teeth from further tooth decay and restore their smile. If your teen is self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, porcelain fillings or composite resin can be used to blend in with natural tooth color. Taking care of teeth early on can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. It is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they can do their job of holding space for the adult teeth that will eventually take their place. If a cavity develops in your child’s baby tooth, we recommend filling it to protect it from further decay and infection so your child can continue to eat and chew pain-free.
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that taking your child to the dentist can be stressful for both of you. That is why finding a dental office that provides comprehensive and compassionate care is important. We provide caring and gentle treatment to ensure your child feels safe and relaxed during their visit.
If you think your child may need a dental filling, or you are searching for Phoenix pediatric dentist, pediatric dentist Tempe or pediatric dentist Chandler, AZ, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist near me, trust the experts at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. Let’s work together to keep your child smiling!
Summary
Most insurance plans cover fillings for both adults and children. Please contact your insurance provider to get an exact breakdown of your coverage.
Fillings can last up to 10 years, depending on the material used and how well you take care of your teeth. It is important to see a dentist regularly for checkups so that any potential problems can be spotted and addressed early.
No, fillings do not hurt. We use a local anesthetic to ensure your child does not feel any discomfort during the procedure. If additional sedation is needed, Dr. Martinez will discuss this option with you.
Yes, over time, the material used for the filling may wear out or break down, which will need to be replaced. If a filling falls out, it is important to replace it as soon as possible.
Yes, fillings are a safe and effective treatment option for adults and children. They help to protect the teeth from further decay and restore their smile. Failure to treat a cavity can lead to toothache and infection, so it is important to get to treat the cavity with a filling as soon as possible.
